Effects of Surface Tension on the Liquid Holdup and Wave Characteristics in Horizontal Annular Two-Phase Flow

Abstract

The wave characteristics of horizontal annular two-phase flow in 16 mm diameter pipe were experimentally investigated using flush-mounted constant electric current method (CECM) sensors and visual observations. To examine the effect of surface tension on the wave velocity and frequency, air and three kinds of liquids with different surface tension were used, i.e., water, 2%-butanol solution, and 5%-butanol solution. The gas and liquid superficial velocities were varied from 12 to 40 m/s and 0.05 to 0.2 m/s, respectively. The liquid holdup was measured directly using CECM, while the wave velocity and frequency were determined using cross correlation and power spectral density functions of liquid holdup signals. Generally, combination of air and liquid with the highest surface tension gives the highest liquid holdup and wave frequency. Simple correlations for wave velocity and wave frequency were also developed.